Bomber legend Hird says 'no' to his second coming

FORMER Essendon champion James Hird has poured cold water on a suggestion he is contemplating a remarkable comeback at the age of 35.

The front page of Wednesday's The Age newspaper reports that Hird, one of the greatest-ever Bombers, would seek a meeting with senior coach Matthew Knights this week in the hope of convincing him he was worthy of another chance at AFL football.

The thoughts of a comeback were believed to have crystallised after a recent trip to the United States with teammates, among them current Bombers captain Matthew Lloyd.

However the 1996 Brownlow medallist has refuted the claims on morning radio in Melbourne, saying he has had his time in the sun.

"I couldn't be further away from coming back and playing footy," Hird told SEN.

"I've had my go and I'm done and dusted."

Hird said the newspaper report, in which he is described as having kept himself in "top physical condition" since hanging up the boots, might have come about from a couple of teammates' senses of humour.

 "[It's] nothing more than a couple of blokes ribbing me because I've put on a bit of weight," Hird said.

The five-time best and fairest winner says he is content with his new life as a businessman.

"I'm happily retired."